Related Experiment Videos
A single pediatric center experience with 1025 children with hypertension
T Wyszyńska1, E Cichocka, A Wieteska-Klimczak
1Department of Nephrology, Child Health Center-Memorial Hospital, Warsaw, Poland.
Insights
In a study of pediatric hypertension, most children with borderline high blood pressure developed sustained hypertension. Renal diseases were the most common cause of secondary hypertension in younger children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Health in Children
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Elevated blood pressure in children requires careful evaluation to determine its cause and long-term implications.
- Understanding the prevalence and types of hypertension in pediatric populations is crucial for effective management.
- Distinguishing between essential and secondary hypertension is key for appropriate treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the causes and progression of hypertension in a cohort of pediatric patients.
- To identify risk factors and patterns of hypertension development in children and adolescents.
- To investigate the long-term outcomes of borderline hypertension in young individuals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1025 pediatric patients (1 month to 18 years) with elevated blood pressure from January 1982 to December 1989.
- Classification of hypertension into borderline and sustained significant categories.
- Investigation of secondary causes of hypertension, including renal parenchymal, renovascular, and endocrine disorders.
- Follow-up assessment of patients with borderline hypertension to determine progression to fixed hypertension.
Main Results:
- Out of 1025 patients, 389 had borderline hypertension and 636 had sustained hypertension.
- Secondary hypertension was identified in 351 patients, with renal parenchymal diseases (68%), endocrine disorders (11%), and renovascular conditions (10%) being the most frequent causes.
- In children under 15, known causes of hypertension were prevalent, whereas 75% of adolescents presented with essential hypertension.
- A significant proportion (65%) of children with borderline hypertension progressed to fixed hypertension within 2-3 years.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric hypertension, particularly when borderline, often progresses to a sustained form, necessitating vigilant monitoring.
- Renal parenchymal disease is a primary driver of secondary hypertension in younger pediatric populations.
- Adolescents are more likely to develop essential hypertension, highlighting age-related differences in hypertension etiology.
Abstract:
Between January 1982 and December 1989 1025 patients aged between one month and 18 years with increased blood pressure were referred for evaluation. Borderline hypertension was found in 389 children; 636 had sustained significant hypertension. In 351 patients, hypertension was secondary to a known disease. Renal parenchymal diseases were present in 68% of patients while renovascular and endocrine disorders were found in 10% and 11%, respectively. Of the 258 children aged less than 15 years, all but six children had known causes of hypertension, while 75% of adolescents had essential hypertension. In the 389 children with borderline hypertension, 65% developed fixed hypertension over a period of 2-3 years.